COVID-19 Bulletin #26 from Dare County Emergency Management

In North Carolina, there are currently 1,857 cases of COVID-19 in 83 counties. There have been 16 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 184 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

In Dare County, three positive tests have been reported. Two of the three individuals have completely recovered from their illness and the third person remains in isolation and is improving daily.

While the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to report on any positive test results as soon as possible, it is important to keep in mind that the number of positive cases reported doesn’t give the full picture of what is happening with COVID-19 in our community. Everyone is encouraged to focus less on the number of positive cases reported and focus more on staying at home except for essential work or needs.

This is an extremely challenging time and it is necessary to find ways to maintain good physical and mental health. By practicing self responsibility and taking care of ourselves and focusing on what we are doing and less on what others are doing, we will have a healthier community.

According to health officials, no product exists that will prevent you from getting the coronavirus or cure you if you already have the virus. The best way to protect yourself is by taking common-sense health precautions. Beware of people selling cure-all vaccines, drugs, or any other products. Consult with a doctor or health professional before you buy or use any products in an effort to prevent COVID-19. Remember - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To reach the Dare County COVID-19 Call Center, call 252.475.5008. Staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. to answer your questions.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo. The meeting will be streamed live and can be accessed via www.darenc.com or www.currenttv.org. Public comment may be submitted to the Board by sending an email during the meeting to dcboc@darenc.com

The Outer Banks HospitalWe are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support during the COVID-19 Crisis. The community’s compliance with the Stay at Home order, the messages of hope, and the donations keep the resolve of those on the front lines.

We do want the community to know that right now we have ample supplies and access to state and system resources as back-up. We continue to prepare every day for the potential of a surge and our supplies are intact.

Your love and generosity are much appreciated by our team members. Thank you.

Town of Kill Devil HillsKill Devil Hills’ Town offices are accessible by appointment only. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website to gain assistance or to schedule an in person appointment. Department’s contact information and updates to their daily operations can be found on our website, www.kdhnc.com.

Our Planning and Inspections Department is now conducting all permitting services electronically. Applications, forms, and more information can be found on our website.

The April 6th Board of Commissioners meeting has been cancelled. A list of additional meeting and event cancellations are also on our website.

In accordance with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order (Executive Order No. 121), the Town of Kill Devil Hills has temporarily closed the following facilities: the restrooms and playground at Aviation Park, the playground at Copley Park, the playground at Hayman Park, and the restrooms at the Ocean Bay Boulevard beach access. These facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice. When engaging in outdoor activity, remember to practice social distancing.

In addition, the Town’s Dry Trash Drop Off and Recycle Center is closed until further notice.

We need all of our citizens to take the Stay at Home Order seriously. Social distancing continues to be the best defense against COVID-19. Individually, we must each take action to stop the spread by maintaining your distance, washing your hands, and staying home – unless it is absolutely essential. Together we will make a difference.

Town of DuckWe apologize for the technical difficulties during the live stream of last night’s Council Meeting. The audio corrected video can be found at www.townofduck.com/town-council and the Town’s YouTube channel.

The April 8 Planning Board meeting has been canceled.

Town of Southern ShoresIn order to maintain the safety of Town residents, staff, and the Town Council, the Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020 will now be conducted electronically using Zoom software. Only a quorum of the Town Council will be present at the meeting. The remaining Council Members will all participate remotely.

The Town Council meeting time has been rescheduled to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 to accommodate the carryover of agenda items from the canceled March 24, 2020 Budget Work Session.

What does this mean for those looking to participate in the meeting?

There are three ways the public can participate in the meeting:

1. Join the meeting through Zoom on your computer or cellphone.Simply click on the following link or type it into your internet browser: https://zoom.us/j/612186193Meeting ID: 612 186 193If you have not used Zoom before, you are encouraged to download the application from their website at Zoom.us and try it out prior to the meeting. There is no cost associated with the software or attending the meeting.

3. Submit your public comments to the Town Clerk prior to the meetingEmail: skane@southernshores-nc.govThe comments will be read into the record during the public comment portion. Please include your name and address in your comment. Comments should be limited to 3 minutes when read aloud.

Public Comment can be submitted via chat during the live public comment period. Please include your name and address in your comment. Comments should be limited to 3 minutes when read aloud.

The Town is making every effort to ensure that the public is able to not only listen to the meeting, but also to participate in the public comment portion of the Council meeting while still maintaining all of the Town’s statutory requirements and keeping the public safe. This will be a first for all of us and we thank you for both your interest in the Town’s affairs and your patience and understanding while we navigate these uncharted waters together.

In an effort to comply with social distancing guidelines for mitigating the potential spread of COVID-19, citizens who attend the April 7, 2020 Town Council meeting should keep a minimum distance of six (6) feet from others prior to, during, and following the meeting. Seating in the Pitts Center has been arranged in a manner that complies with this guideline (maximum occupancy of 10). The meeting recording will be posted on the Town website as soon as possible following the meeting.

Town of Kitty HawkTown offices are open normal business hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Face-to-face contact is being limited.

Town Begins Ocean Rescue PatrolTo ensure the safety of our citizens utilizing our beaches, the Town will begin Ocean Rescue Patrol on April 2, 2020. This mobile patrol is weather dependent and will be between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Town Council Meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm will be held as planned. In order to maintain the safety of Town Citizens, Staff and Council, this meeting will be live streamed. There will be several ways to watch, listen and or participate. For more information about how to view the meeting click here .

In response to the County’s Stay Home. Stay Healthy Order:

The Town’s Recycle Center will be closed until further notice.

The playgrounds at Paul Pruitt Park and Sandy Run Park are closed. The parks will remain open for passive recreational activities. When visiting any of the Town’s parks please practice social distancing.

The Spring Chipping Service will not be held in April and has been postponed until the Fall.

Town of Nags HeadAs an essential service, the Town of Nags Head will continue to serve its residents and businesses as best as it can during this unprecedented crisis. At this time, we will remain open, but we continue to ask that you conduct your business with the Town either online or via the phone. Visit nagsheadnc.gov/coronavirus for more information on doing business with the Town at this time. If you do not have computer access, please call 252-441-5508 from 8:30 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

We are making every accommodation possible to ensure that your Town of Nags Head services are uninterrupted. We understand that, unlike others, our services must continue through this crisis.

Town of ManteoTown Operations – Sanitation, Water & Sewer, Permits & Inspections, and Law Enforcement continue service delivery. Access to Town Hall is limited. Call 473-2133 first to see if your item can be handled over the phone, online, or via other means. You will need to ring the doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry. Utility service disconnections are suspended during this emergency. Please note that utility fees will still be charged. Sanitation is on its regular schedule. Bulky item pick-ups are limited to Monday and Thursday.

Police Department – Access to the Police Department is limited to urgent matters. You will need to ring the doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry during weekdays. If you have an emergency, dial 911. Please call 473-2069 for non-emergency assistance during weekdays or 473-3444 after hours. There is a call box for after-hours use located at the police department entrance.

Public Facilities – Town parks remain open, and park visitors must avoid crowd-gathering and use social distancing. Playgrounds and public restrooms are closed. The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the interior of the Lighthouse remain closed. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.

Special Events – The 05/02 Litter Pick-Up is postponed to 11/14. The Downtown Market is postponed until further notice.